Mexico Cracks Down on Illicit Shipments From Asia: Impact on U.S. Importers

For years, many importers in the U.S. have used Mexico as a sort of stepping stone to bring Chinese goods into the United States while avoiding or reducing Section 301 tariffs. To combat this and other issues, the Mexican government enacted more strict requirements for documenting and paying duties on imported shipments in October 2024. Enforcement of these requirements has been lax, but that’s set to change in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• As of January 1, 2025, shipments imported into Mexico must meet strict guidelines for labeling and documentation or face greater scrutiny from the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM). 
• These measures were put into place to address instances of customs fraud, smuggling, and unfair competitive practices against domestic producers in Mexico.
• Shipments valued at $.01 or more must be accompanied by formal declarations and will be subject to any applicable duties and tariffs. 
• Further taxes against shipments from countries outside the USMCA may be put into place at a later date. 

Find out how these new measures can impact your import business in the United States.

New Requirements for Goods Imported to Mexico

As Mexico tightens its grip on illicit shipments from Asia, new import regulations are set to reshape the landscape for U.S.-based importers leveraging Mexico as part of their supply chain. The changes, aimed primarily at curbing the influx of low-cost Asian goods that bypass duties and tariffs, can pose challenges for some American businesses. 

Here's what importers need to know to stay compliant and competitive.

How These Regulations Will Impact U.S. Importers

While the new import requirements will apply broadly, their primary focus is to disrupt the stream of small, low-value shipments from Asian countries (mostly China) that have been exploiting duty loopholes. Asian suppliers have long shipped products in packages valued under $50 to avoid tariffs, but starting January 1, 2025, the following measures will be in full force:

• Declarations and Duties for All Shipments: Every shipment entering Mexico, regardless of value, must be declared and subjected to duty payments, beginning from $0.01. This eliminates the previous de minimis exemption that allowed shipments under $50 to bypass tariffs.
• Detailed Shipment Information: Each imported shipment must now include comprehensive details: item type, quantity, grade/quality, and the tax identification number (RFC) of the recipient in Mexico.

These requirements were initially enacted in October, but faced enforcement delays due to significant backlogs at Mexican customs. 

Importers in the United States who bring goods, components, or raw materials from China and other countries in Asia into Mexico are likely to find their shipments delayed for inspection if they do not meet the criteria mentioned above. 

Those found to be deliberately or unintentionally attempting to circumvent applicable duties and tariffs will be subject to a myriad of penalties including fines, seizures of shipments, and even the destruction of the offending materials. 

Notably, these regulations differ from the more targeted measures imposed on December 19, which specifically addressed textile imports.

Related: How Trump's Tariff Policies May Impact International Trade

Other Potential Tariffs on Goods Imported to Mexico

The Mexican government is also considering broader tariff increases on imports from Europe, South America, and Asia, potentially reaching rates as high as 19%. This tariff hike could coincide with the elimination of de minimis thresholds for all imports from countries outside the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). If implemented, this would significantly affect U.S. importers relying on third-party countries for goods.

How USA Customs Clearance Can Help

Navigating these evolving regulations can be complex, but importers don't have to do it alone. 

USA Customs Clearance provides expert consulting and advisory services to help businesses adapt to Mexico’s shifting import landscape. Whether you're dealing with new duty requirements, customs documentation, or exploring alternative import strategies, our team is equipped to guide you through each step. 
Give us a call at (855) 912-0406 or fill out a contact form today to get expert assistance navigating the customs requirements for goods imported to the U.S. from China via Mexico.